US VP Harris’ weeklong trip to Africa in March, a bid to counter China, Russia

The US Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Africa later this month where she is scheduled to visit Zambia, Ghana, and Tanzania. The week-long trip is seen as part of Joe Biden administration’s effort to bolster its relationships with the continent, as competitors like Russia and China have made inroads in the region.

During this trip, which is meant to bolster US diplomatic and economic ties with Africa, Harris will meet with the heads of state of these three countries, her office has announced in a statement. This will be her first visit to the continent since becoming vice president, making her the most senior Biden administration official to visit Africa, and it will also be the first time a black US vice president visits the region, amplifying Harris’ historic role and high-profile trip.

Harris’ trip will “strengthen the United States’ partnerships throughout Africa and advance our shared effort on security and economic prosperity,” her office statement said.

Much like the earlier visits by US Treasury Secretary Jane Yellen and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, this visit by Kamala Harris is meant to counter the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent, amongst other issues. President Joe Biden is expected to visit the continent later this year. Harris will first visit Ghana, then Tanzania and then end the weeklong trip in Zambia.

Her talks with the three African presidents will focus on “regional and global priorities, including our shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security, and the effects of Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine,” Harris’ press secretary said in a statement.